ASDAN Computing Module 1: Infrastructure

Section A: Complete at least 3 challenges over 10 hours (1 credit)

Create a basic manual explaining the main components of a PC. Include images and descriptions of each. Use your manual to teach a family member what makes up a PC.

Find and photograph the components of:

• the LAN (local area network) in your centre
• one other network

Produce diagrams of both networks

Show you can install operating systems on a newly built PC or virtual machine. Set up the machine to dual boot into 2 different operating systems.

Create a presentation or short video that others could use as a guide

Research the different types of storage media available. Show which type of storage device you would recommend, and why, for the following:

• a gamer building a new computer for home gaming
• a systems administrator wanting a reliable solution for his business
• a small business looking to move 10GB file between 2 computers

One way to add protection to a network is to install a firewall. In a group, discuss the disadvantages of having a firewall and any negative effects for users. State your recommendations.

Passwords are an important part of network security. Research good password policies and create a poster explaining how to choose and maintain good passwords.

Find the top 10 passwords in use on the Internet and show how they could be strengthened.

Many people want to use their own devices, such as tablets and smartphones, at work. From a security standpoint, describe some problems a business might encounter with BYOD (bring your own device).

Discuss and agree a BYOD policy for your centre.

Section B: Complete 1 or 2 challenges over 10 hours (1 credit)

Many high-profile companies have been the victim of malicious hacking events exposing the personal data of customers.

Produce a report on 2 high-profile cases, including:

• how the breach occurred
• whether the stolen data was encrypted
• what steps the company has put in place to prevent similar events in the future
• your recommendations for customers to reduce the risks of future incidents.

Examine the different risks faced by individuals and companies from component failure. Include examples of real-world mistakes resulting from poor backup practices.

Prepare a report comparing backup procedures. Note their complexity, cost and which methods you would recommend for individuals, small and large companies.

A company wants to send some private data to a client and has suggested using email.

Research the steps involved in sending an email, paying particular attention to privacy. Produce a report telling the company whether email is the correct tool for this task, providing alternatives, if appropriate.

Create a flowchart to describe how to convert a website URL to the address of the machine it is hosted on. Pay particular attention to IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

Create a campaign (e.g. presentation, poster, video) to persuade a network administrator to convert from using IPv4 to IPv6.

Research hardware virtualisation and its impact on the IT industry.

Based on the current IT infrastructure in your centre, produce a report on how you would go about migrating to a virtualised solution. Include the risks, costs and benefits of such a move.